Methods of controlling seed size in plants

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to the identification of a regulator protein (termed CYP78A6, or EOD3) which controls the size of plant seeds and organs in Arabidopsis and other plants. Manipulation of CYP78A protein expression may useful, for example, in improving crop yield and increasing plant biomass.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a divisional application of U.S. Ser. No. 16/628,101, filed Jun. 20, 2017, which is a divisional application of U.S. Ser. No. 14/372,582 filed Jul. 16, 2014, which is a National Phase application claiming priority to PCT/GB2013/050072 filed Jan. 15, 2013, which claims priority to GB 1202258.8 filed Feb. 9, 2012 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/588,792 filed Jan. 20, 2012, all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to the control of the size of the seeds which are produced by plants.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS

Seed size is a key determinant of evolutionary fitness in plants and is also an important agronomic trait during crop domestication (Orsi and Tanksley, 2009). Several studies suggest that seedlings of large-seeded plants are better able to tolerate many of the stresses encountered during seedling establishment, whereas small-seeded plants are considered to have superior colonization abilities because they produce large numbers of seeds (Westoby et al., 2002; Moles et al., 2005). At the same time, seed size is negatively associated with the number of seeds produced by a plant due to the limited resources of the mother plant (Harper et al., 1970). Scientific interest in seed size relates not only to its importance in plant fitness, but also to crop domestication. Crops domesticated for consumption of their seeds (e.g. rice and wheat) often produce seeds significantly larger than their wild ancestors (Fan et al., 2006; Song et al., 2007; Gegas et al., 2010).

A seed consists of three major components; the embryo, the endosperm and the seed coat, that originate from different cells of the ovule and possess different complements of maternal and paternal genomes. In angiosperms, seed development involves a double fertilization process in which one sperm nucleus fuses with the egg to produce the diploid embryo, while the other sperm nucleus fuses with two polar nuclei to form the triploid endosperm (Lopes and Larkins, 1993). The seed coat differentiates after fertilization from maternally derived integuments. The embryo is surrounded by the endosperm, which, in turn, is enclosed within the maternal seed coat. Therefore, the size of a seed is determined by the coordinated growth of maternal sporophytic and zygotic tissues.

The size of seeds is influenced by a variety of cellular processes. Seed size is known to be influenced by parent-of-origin effects. The cross between a diploid female parent and tetraploid male parent produces larger F₁ seeds, whereas the reciprocal cross generates smaller F₁ seeds, suggesting that maternal or paternal excess of genome has a dramatic effect on seed size (Scott et al., 1998). Similar to interploidy crosses, crosses between wild type and met1 mutant with hypomethylated genomes show that larger F₁ seeds are generated when the maternal parent is met1, while smaller F₁ seeds are produced when the paternal parent is met1 (Xiao et al., 2006), suggesting that parent-of-origin effects may involve DNA methylation. In addition, the size of seeds is affected by the maternal and/or zygotic tissues. Several factors that influence seed size by the zygotic tissues have been recently identified in Arabidopsis. haiku (iku) and miniseed3 (mini3) mutants form small seeds due to the reduced growth and early cellularization of the endosperm (Garcia et al., 2003; Luo et al., 2005). IKU1, IKU2 and MINI3 function in the same pathway to promote endosperm growth in Arabidopsis (Garcia et al., 2003; Luo et al., 2005; Wang et al., 2010). SHORT HYPOCOTYL UNDER BLUE1 (SHB1) associates with both MINI3 and IKU2 promoters in vivo and may act with other proteins that bind to MINI3 and IKU2 promoters to promote endosperm growth in the early phase of seed development (Zhou et al., 2009). Seed size is also influenced by maternal tissues. Several factors that act in maternal tissues to influence seed size have been isolated. Arabidopsis TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA 2 (TTG2) promotes seed growth by increasing cell expansion in the integuments (Garcia et al., 2005; Ohto et al., 2009). APETALA2 (AP2) may restrict seed growth by limiting cell expansion in the integuments (Jofuku et al., 2005; Ohto et al., 2005; Ohto et al., 2009). By contrast, AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 2 (ARF2) and the predicted ubiquitin receptor CYP78A61 limit seed size by restricting cell proliferation in the integuments (Schruff et al., 2006; Li et al., 2008). However, CYP78A5/KLU promotes seed growth by increasing cell proliferation in the integuments of ovules (Adamski et al., 2009). Therefore, the integument or seed coat plays a key role in maternal control of seed size. In addition, many quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for seed size have been mapped in Arabidopsis and crops (Alonso-Blanco et al., 1999; Li et al., 2004; Fan et al., 2006; Song et al., 2007; Shomura et al., 2008; Weng et al., 2008). Three grain size QTLs have been recently cloned in rice, including GS3, GW2 and qSW5/GW5 (Fan et al., 2006; Song et al., 2007; Shomura et al., 2008; Weng et al., 2008). However, it is not clear whether these three factors act in maternal and/or zygotic tissues in rice.

Despite the importance of seed size, relatively little is known about the genetic and molecular mechanisms that control seed size.

Identification of factors that control the final size of seeds will not only advance understanding of the mechanisms of size control in plants, but may also have substantial practical applications for example in improving crop yield.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present inventors have identified and characterized a genetic factor which alters seed size in plants. This may be useful, for example, in modulating seed size and improving yields in crop plants.

An aspect of the invention provides a method of modulating seed size in a plant which comprises;

-   -   altering the expression of a CYP78A polypeptide within cells of         said plant.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of producing a plant with an altered seed size comprising:

-   -   incorporating a heterologous nucleic acid which alters the         expression of a CYP78A polypeptide into a plant cell by means of         transformation, and;     -   regenerating the plant from one or more transformed cells.

Other aspects of the invention relate to plant cells with altered expression of a CYP78A polypeptide relative to controls, for example plant cells produced by a method described above; plants comprising such cells, and the seeds and progeny of such plants.

The CYP78A polypeptide may be a CYP78A6 polypeptide.

The expression of two or more CYP78A polypeptides may be altered in the plant cells.

The expression of one or more other growth factors, such as DA or BB may additionally be altered in the plant cells.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the isolation of an enhancer of da1-1 (eod3-1D). FIG. 1(A) shows seeds from wild-type, da1-1 and eod3-1D da1-1 plants (from left to right). FIG. 1(B) shows mature embryos of wild type, da1-1 and eod3-1D da1-1 (from left to right). FIG. 1(C) shows 10-d-old-seedlings of wild type, da1-1 and eod3-1D da1-1 (from left to right). FIG. 1(D) shows projective area of wild-type, da1-1 and eod3-1D da1-1 seeds. FIG. 1(E) shows seed weight of wild type, da1-1 and eod3-1D da1-1. FIG. 1(F) shows cotyledon area of 10-d-old wild-type, da1-1 and eod3-1D da1-1 seedlings. Values (D-F) are given as mean±SE relative to the respective wild-type values, set at 100%. Bars: A, B, 0.5 mm; C, 5 mm.

FIG. 2 shows seed and organ size in the eod3-1D mutant. 2(A-D) show seeds (A), flowers (B), stamens and carpels (C), and siliques (D) of wild type (left) and eod3-1D (right). 2(E) shows projective area of wild-type and eod3-1D seeds. 2(F) shows seed weight of wild type and eod3-1D. 2(G) shows projective area of Col-0×Col-0 F₁, CS4002×Col-0 F₁ and eod3-1D×eod3-1D F₁ seeds. Values (E-G) are given as mean±SE relative to the respective wild-type values, set at 100%. Bars: A, B, C, D, 1 mm.

FIG. 3 shows the cloning of the EOD3 gene. 3(A) shows the structure of T-DNA insertion in the eod3-1D mutant. 3(B) shows expression levels of At2g46660 (EOD3) and At2g46670 in da1-1 and eod3-1D da1-1 seedlings. 3(C) shows projective area of wild-type, 35S::EOD3#7, 35S::EOD3#9 and eod3-1D seeds. 3(D) shows expression levels of EOD3 in wild-type, 35S::EOD3#7, 35S::EOD3#9 and eod3-1D seedlings. 3(E) shows phylogenetic tree of the CYP78A family members in Arabidopsis thaliana. Values (C and D) are given as mean±SE relative to the wild-type value, set at 100%. **, P<0.01 compared with the wild type (Student's t-test).

FIG. 4 shows that EOD3 acts redundantly with CYP78A9 to influence seed size. 4(A) shows EOD3 gene structure. The start codon (ATG) and the stop codon (TAA) are indicated. Closed boxes indicate the coding sequence, and the line between boxes indicates intron. T-DNA insertion sites (eod3-ko1 and eod3-ko2) in the EOD3 gene were shown. 4(B) shows CYP78A9 gene structure. The start codon (ATG) and the stop codon (TAA) are indicated. Closed boxes indicate the coding sequence, and the line between boxes indicates intron. The T-DNA insertion site (cyp78a9-ko1) in the CYP78A9 gene was shown. 4(C) shows seeds from wild-type, eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 and eod3-ko2 cyp78a9-ko1 plants (from top to bottom). 4(D) Siliques from wild-type, eod3-ko1, eod3-ko2, cyp78a9-ko1, eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 and eod3-ko2 cyp78a9-ko1 plants (from left to right). 4(E) shows opened siliques from wild-type and eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 plants (from left to right). 4(F) shows projective area of wild-type, eod3-ko1, eod3-ko2, cyp78a9-ko1, eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 and eod3-ko2 cyp78a9-ko1 seeds. 4(G) shows seed weight of wild type, eod3-ko1, eod3-ko2, cyp78a9-ko1, eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 and eod3-ko2 cyp78a9-ko1. 4(H) shows silique length of wild type, eod3-ko1, eod3-ko2, cyp78a9-ko1, eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 and eod3-ko2 cyp78a9-ko1. 4(I and J) show seed length (I) and seed width (J) of wild type, eod3-ko1, cyp78a9-ko1 and eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1. Values (F-J) are given as mean±SE relative to the respective wild-type values, set at 100%. **, P<0.01 and *, P<0.05 compared with the wild type (Student's t-test). Bars: C, D, E, 1 mm.

FIG. 5 shows EOD3 acts maternally to control seed size. 5(A) shows projective area of Col-0×Col-0 F₁, Col-0×eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1(d) F eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1(d)×eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1(d) F₁ and eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1(d)×Col-0 F₁ seeds. 5(B) shows projective area of Col-0×Col-0 F₁, Col-0×eod3-1D F₁, eod3-1D/+×eod3-1D/+(e/e) F₁, eod3-1D/+×Col-0 (e/c) F₁ seeds. Values (A and B) are given as mean±SE relative to the respective wild-type values, set at 100%.

FIG. 6 shows cell size and cell number in the integuments of wild-type, eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 and eod3-1D developing seeds. 6(A) shows mature ovule perimeter. 6(B) shows the outer integument length at specific times after pollination, as measured from the insertion point at the funiculus to the tip at the micropyle. 6(C) shows the number of cells in the outer integument at 6DAP. 6(D) shows the average length of cells in the outer integument at 6DAP calculated from the outer integument length and cell number for individual seeds. Values (A-D) are given as mean±SE. **, P<0.01 compared with the wild type (Student's t-test).

FIG. 7 shows cell size and cell number in cotyledons of mature wild-type, eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 and eod3-1D embryos. 7(A) shows mature embryos of wild type, eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 and eod3-1D. 7(B) shows cotyledon area of wild-type, eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 and eod3-1D embryos. 7(C) Average area of palisade cells in cotyledons of wild-type, eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 and eod3-1D embryos. Values (B and C) are given as mean±SE relative to the respective wild-type values, set at 100%. **, P<0.01 compared with the wild type (Student's t-test). Bar: A, 0.25 mm.

FIG. 8 shows the expression pattern of EOD3. 8(A) shows RT-PCR analysis of the EOD3 gene expression. Total RNA was isolated from stems, roots, 10-d-old seedlings, leaves and inflorescences. 8(B-L) show EOD3 expression activity monitored by pEOD3::GUS transgene expression. Three GUS-expressing lines were observed and all showed a similar pattern, although they differed slightly in the intensity of the staining. Histochemical analysis of GUS activity in a 14-d-old seedling (B), a sepal (C), a petal (D), a stamen (E), a carpel (F), an inflorescence (G), the valve of a silique (H) and embryos (I-L). No GUS activity was detected in developing seeds. 8(M and N) show results of in situ hybridization with EOD3 antisense probe. Cross-section of the carpel of a stage 8 flower (M). Cross-section of the carpel of a stage 12 flower (N). The blue arrow indicates the central region of the septum, and the red arrow shows the funiculus. Bars: B, 2 mm; G, 1 mm; C, E, F, I, J, K, L, 100 μm; D, M, N, 50 μm. H, 200 μm.

FIG. 9 shows genetic interactions of eod3 with da1-1 and ttg2-3 mutants. 9(A) shows the projective area of wild-type, eod3-1D, da1-1 and da1-1 eod3-1D seeds. 9(B) shows projective area of wild-type, ttg2-3, eod3-ko1 and ttg2-3 eod3-ko1 seeds. Values (A-B) are given as mean±SE relative to the respective wild-type values, set at 100%.

FIG. 10 shows eod3-1D enhances the organ size phenotype of da1-1. 10A shows flowers of wild type, da1-1 and eod3-1D da1-1. 10(b) shows area of the fifth leaves in wild type, da1-1 and eod3-1D da1-1. Values (B) are given as mean±SE relative to the respective wild-type values, set at 100%. Bar: A, 1 mm.

FIG. 11 shows organ size and reproductive development in eod3-1D. 11(A) shows sepal length (SL), petal length (PL), petal width (PW), petal area (PA), stamen length (STL) and carpel length (CL) of wild-type (left) and eod3-1D (right) flowers. 11(B and C) show the earliest-arising flowers on the primary inflorescences of wild type (B) and eod3-1D (C). 11(D and E) show pollens from the earliest-arising flowers were stained by using Alexander staining buffer. Values (A) are given as mean±SE relative to the respective wild-type values, set at 100%. Bars: B, C, 1 mm; D,E, 100 μm.

FIG. 12 shows phenotypes of wild-type, eod3-1D and 35S::EOD3 plants. 12A shows 56-d-old wild-type, eod3-1D, 35S::EOD3#7 and 35S::EOD3#9 plants. 12B shows primary inflorescence stems of wild-type, eod3-1D, 35S::EOD3#7 and 35S::EOD3#9 plants. 12C shows percent of fertile siliques on the primary inflorescence. Values (C) are given as mean±SE. Bars: A, B, 1 cm.

FIG. 13 shows identification of eod3-ko1, eod3-ko2 and cyp78a9-ko1 mutants. 13(A-C) show PCR identification of T-DNA insertions in eod3-ko1 (A), eod3-ko2 (B), cyp78a9-ko1 (C) mutants with T-DNA specific primers and flanking primers.

FIG. 14 shows EOD3 acts maternally to influence seed size. Projective area of individual seeds from eod3-1D/+ plants fertilized with wild-type pollen was measured. These seeds were further genotyped for the eod3-1D mutation. The data shows that the eod3-1D mutation is not associated with variation in the size of these seeds (P>0.05, Student's t-test).

FIG. 15 shows mature ovules from Col-0, eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 and eod3-1D plants. Bars: A, B, C, 50 μm.

FIG. 16 shows EOD3 and CYP78A9 expression in developing seeds. 16(A and B) show results of in situ hybridization with EOD3 antisense probe. 16(C and D) show results of in situ hybridization with EOD3 sense probe. 16(E and F) show results of in situ hybridization with CYP78A9 antisense probe. 16(G and H) show results of in situ hybridization with CYP78A9 sense probe. Bars: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, 50 μm.

FIG. 17 shows expression of EOD3 in developing seeds using RT-PCR analysis of the EOD3 gene expression. Total RNA was isolated from developing seeds within elongated siliques.

FIG. 18 shows phylogenic analysis of Arabidopsis CYP78A6 and its orthologues.

FIG. 19 shows the Gateway Binary Vector pIPKb002 containing the Zm-ubiqutin promoter used to expresss EOD3 in Oryza sativa.

FIG. 20 shows seed size in TO transgenic Oryza sativa overexpressing EOD3. * represents p<0.01 in t-test with the smallest seed line (11-5).

Table 1 shows phenotypes of wild-type, eod3-ko1, cyp78a9-ko1, eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 and eod3-1D plants.

Table 2 shows developmental stages of embryogenesis.

Table 3 shows primers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In various aspects, the invention provides methods which relate to the modulation of CYP78A expression in plant cells. This modulation may be useful in altering, for example increasing or decreasing, seed size in plants.

CYP78A polypeptides are a sub-family of cytochrome p450 (CYP) dependent monooxygenases which are found only in plants. CYP78A polypeptides may be defined by phylogenetic analysis on the basis of overall identity and sequence conservation within domains (Chapple Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Mol. Biol. (1998) 49:311-43)

A CYP78A polypeptide may comprise an amino acid sequence which is shown in FIG. 18 or an amino acid sequence which is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:

42 to 83 or an amino acid sequence which is a variant or fragment of one of these sequences which retains CYP78A activity.

Other CYP78A polypeptide sequences which include the characteristic features set out above may be identified using standard sequence analysis tools.

In some preferred embodiments, the CYP78A polypeptide may be a member of the phylogenetic grouping of CYP78A polypeptides which comprises CYP78A6, CYP78A8 and CYP78A9 and excludes CYP78A7, CYP78A5 and CYP78A10, as shown in FIG. 3E (i.e. a CYP78A6-clade polypeptide).

For example, a CYP78A6-clade polypeptide may comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or all 7 of the amino acid sequence motifs of SEQ ID NOS: 84 to 90;

GGAWGKYX₁R (SEQ ID NO: 84), wherein X₁ is any amino acid, preferably G, H or T, most preferably G.

X₂G X₃GVGSMSX₄ X₅S X₆X₇AHR (SEQ ID NO: 85), wherein X₂ is any amino acid, preferably V or N, most preferably V; wherein X₃ is any amino acid, preferably K or R, most preferably K; wherein X₄ is absent or any amino acid, preferably absent or R, most preferably absent; wherein X₅ is any amino acid, preferably M or S, most preferably M; wherein X₆ is any amino acid, preferably S, N or H, most preferably S; and wherein X₇ is any amino acid, preferably T or V, most preferably T.

MASGX₈X₉X₁₀X₁₁VVTCX₁₂X₁₃VAKNX₁₄SVADRV (SEQ ID NO: 86), wherein X₈ is any amino acid, preferably T or D, most preferably T; wherein X₉ is any amino acid, preferably T or R, most preferably R; wherein X₁₀ is absent or any amino acid, preferably absent or K, most preferably absent; wherein X₁₁ is absent or any amino acid, preferably absent or V, most preferably absent; wherein X₁₂ is any amino acid, preferably N or H, most preferably N; wherein X₁₃ is any amino acid, preferably D or A, most preferably D; wherein X₁₄ is absent or any amino acid, preferably absent or S, most preferably absent.

(SEQ ID NO: 87) VGYDGTNWTDHW (SEQ ID NO: 88) AVWMRGTDVA (SEQ ID NO: 89) KVRHGSWARX₁₅TDT, wherein X₁₅ is any amino acid, preferably A or S, most preferably A.

VAGTTAMVNMWAX₁₆X₁₇X₁₈DHVWX₁₉X₂₀KRVAKGX₂₁SVGSDRAGSGX₂₂RX₂₃CG KNGTTV (SEQ ID NO: 90); wherein independently, X₁₆ is any amino acid, preferably A or V, most preferably V; X₁₇ is absent or any amino acid, preferably absent or S, most preferably S; X₁₈ is any amino acid, preferably H or R, most preferably H; X₁₉ is any amino acid, preferably V, N or D, most preferably V; X₂₀ is absent or any amino acid, preferably absent or D, most preferably D; X₂₁ is any amino acid, preferably A or V, most preferably V; X₂₂ is any amino acid, preferably R or K, most preferably R; and X₂₃ is absent or any amino acid, preferably absent or V, most preferably absent.

For example, a CYP78A6-clade polypeptide may comprise SEQ NO:84 in combination with any 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or all 6 of SEQ ID NOS: 85 to 90; a CYP78A6-clade polypeptide may comprise SEQ NO:85 in combination with any 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or all 6 of SEQ ID NOS: 84 and 86 to 90; a CYP78A6-clade polypeptide may comprise SEQ NO:86 in combination with any 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or all 6 of SEQ ID NOS: 84, 85 and 87 to 90; a CYP78A6-clade polypeptide may comprise SEQ NO:87 in combination with any 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or all 6 of SEQ ID NOS: 84 to 86 and 88 to 90; a CYP78A6-clade polypeptide may comprise SEQ NO:88 in combination with any 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or all 6 of SEQ ID NOS: 84 to 87, 89 or 90; a CYP78A6-clade polypeptide may comprise SEQ NO:89 in combination with any 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or all 6 of SEQ ID NOS: 84 to 88 and 90; or a CYP78A6-clade polypeptide may comprise SEQ NO:90 in combination with any 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or all 6 of SEQ ID NOS: 84 to 89.

In some preferred embodiments, a CYP78A6-clade polypeptide may comprise an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:42 to 44, or may be variant or a fragment of one of these sequences which retains CYP78A activity.

Preferably, the CYP78A6-clade polypeptide is a CYP78A6 polypeptide or a functional homologue thereof, as described herein. A CYP78A6 polypeptide may comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or all 7 of the amino acid sequence motifs of SEQ ID NOS: 87, 88 and 91 to 95;

(SEQ ID NO: 91) GGAWGKYGRSGSYKTGN (SEQ ID NO: 92) VGKGVGSMSMSSTAHR (SEQ ID NO: 93) MASGTRVVTCNDVAKNSVADRV (SEQ ID NO: 94) KVRHGSWARATDT (SEQ ID NO: 95) VAGTTAMVNMWAVSHDHVWVDKRVAKGVSVGSDRAGSGRRCGKNGTTV.

For example, a CYP78A6 polypeptide may comprise the amino acid sequence of A. thaliana CYP78A6 (At2g46660) (SEQ ID NO: 42) or may be a fragment or variant of this sequence which retains CYP78A activity. Other CYP78A6 polypeptides may comprise the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 42 to 83 or may be a fragment or variant of the sequence which retains CYP78A activity.

A CYP78A polypeptide which is a variant of a reference CYP78A sequence, such as any one of SEQ ID NOS: 42 to 83, preferably SEQ ID NOS: 42 to 44, most preferably SEQ ID NO:42, may comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 98% sequence identity to the reference sequence.

Particular amino acid sequence variants may differ from the reference CYP78A sequence, such as any one of SEQ ID NOS: 42 to 83, by insertion, addition, substitution or deletion of 1 amino acid, 2, 3, 4, 5-10, 10-20 20-30, 30-50, or more than 50 amino acids.

Sequence similarity and identity are commonly defined with reference to the algorithm GAP (Wisconsin Package, Accelerys, San Diego USA). GAP uses the Needleman and Wunsch algorithm to align two complete sequences that maximizes the number of matches and minimizes the number of gaps. Generally, default parameters are used, with a gap creation penalty=12 and gap extension penalty=4.

Use of GAP may be preferred but other algorithms may be used, e.g. BLAST (which uses the method of Altschul et al. (1990) J Mol. Biol. 215: 405-410), FASTA (which uses the method of Pearson and Lipman (1988) PNAS USA 85: 2444-2448), or the Smith-Waterman algorithm (Smith and Waterman (1981) J Mol Biol. 147: 195-197), or the TBLASTN program, of Altschul et al. (1990) supra, generally employing default parameters. In particular, the psi-Blast algorithm (Nucl. Acids Res. (1997) 25 3389-3402) may be used.

Sequence comparison may be made over the full-length of the relevant sequence described herein.

A CYP78A polypeptide which is a fragment of a reference CYP78A sequence, such as any one of SEQ ID NOS: 42 to 83, may consist of fewer amino acid residues than the full-length sequence. A CYP78A polypeptide fragment retains CYP78A activity and may, for example, comprise 100 or more, 150 or more, 200 or more or 250 or more amino acids.

Methods of increasing seed size in plants as described herein may comprise increasing expression of a CYP78A polypeptide in one or more cells of the plant relative to controls.

CYP78A expression may be increased by mutation. For example, a nucleic acid sequence which represses expression of a CYP78A coding sequence may be mutated. Suitable mutation methods, such as insertional activation using a heterologous nucleic acid, are well known in the art.

Alternatively, CYP78A expression may be increased by over-expression of a CYP78A coding sequence. For example, a heterologous nucleic acid encoding the CYP78A polypeptide may be expressed within the cells of a plant or a heterologous nucleic acid which promotes or increases expression of an endogenous CYP78A coding sequence may be inserted into the cells of a plant.

In some preferred embodiments, a nucleic acid encoding a CYP78A polypeptide may comprise the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or any one of SEQ ID NOS: 2 to 41 or may be a variant or fragment of this sequence which encodes a polypeptide which retains CYP78A activity.

Other nucleic acid sequences which encode CYP78A polypeptides are available on public databases.

A variant sequence may be a mutant, homologue, or allele of a reference CYP78A nucleotide sequence, such as any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 41, or a reference BB sequence, such as SEQ ID NO: 96 and may differ from the reference CYP78A or BB sequence by one or more of addition, insertion, deletion or substitution of one or more nucleotides in the nucleic acid, leading to the addition, insertion, deletion or substitution of one or more amino acids in the encoded polypeptide. Of course, changes to the nucleic acid that make no difference to the encoded amino acid sequence are included. A nucleic acid encoding a CYP78A polypeptide may comprise a sequence having at least 20% or at least 30% sequence identity with the reference CYP78A nucleic acid sequence, preferably at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95% or at least 98%. A nucleic acid encoding a BB polypeptide may comprise a sequence having at least 20% or at least 30% sequence identity with the reference BB nucleic acid sequence, preferably at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95% or at least 98%. Sequence identity is described above.

A fragment or variant may comprise a sequence which encodes a functional CYP78A polypeptide i.e. a polypeptide which retains one or more functional characteristics of the polypeptide encoded by the wild-type CYP78A gene, for example, cytochrome p450 monooxygenase activity.

A nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence which is a variant of a reference CYP78A6 nucleic acid sequence, such as any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 41, may selectively hybridise under stringent conditions with this nucleic acid sequence or the complement thereof.

Stringent conditions include, e.g. for hybridization of sequences that are about 80 to 90% identical, hybridization overnight at 42° C. in 0.25M Na₂HPO₄, pH 7.2, 6.5% SDS, 10% dextran sulfate and a final wash at 55° C. in 0.1×SSC, 0.1% SDS. For detection of sequences that are greater than about 90% identical, suitable conditions include hybridization overnight at 65° C. in 0.25M Na₂HPO₄, pH 7.2, 6.5% SDS, 10% dextran sulfate and a final wash at 60° C. in 0.1×SSC, 0.1% SDS.

An alternative, which may be particularly appropriate with plant nucleic acid preparations, is a solution of 5×SSPE (final 0.9 M NaCl, 0.05M sodium phosphate, 0.005M EDTA pH 7.7), 5×Denhardt's solution, 0.5% SDS, at 50° C. or 65° C. overnight. Washes may be performed in 0.2×SSC/0.1% SDS at 65° C. or at 50-60° C. in 1×SSC/0.1% SDS, as required.

Nucleic acids as described herein may be wholly or partially synthetic. In particular, they may be recombinant in that nucleic acid sequences which are not found together in nature (do not run contiguously) have been ligated or otherwise combined artificially. Alternatively, they may have been synthesised directly e.g. using an automated synthesiser.

The nucleic acid may of course be double- or single-stranded, cDNA or genomic DNA, or RNA. The nucleic acid may be wholly or partially synthetic, depending on design. Naturally, the skilled person will understand that where the nucleic acid includes RNA, reference to the sequence shown should be construed as reference to the RNA equivalent, with U substituted for T.

Nucleic acid encoding a CYP78A polypeptide may be expressed in the same plant species or variety from which it was originally isolated or in a different plant species or variety (i.e. a heterologous plant).

“Heterologous” indicates that the gene/sequence of nucleotides in question or a sequence regulating the gene/sequence in question, has been introduced into said cells of the plant or an ancestor thereof, using genetic engineering or recombinant means, i.e. by human intervention. Nucleotide sequences which are heterologous to a plant cell may be non-naturally occurring in cells of that type, variety or species (i.e. exogenous or foreign) or may be sequences which are non-naturally occurring in that sub-cellular or genomic environment of the cells or may be sequences which are non-naturally regulated in the cells i.e. operably linked to a non-natural regulatory element. “Isolated” indicates that the isolated molecule (e.g. polypeptide or nucleic acid) exists in an environment which is distinct from the environment in which it occurs in nature. For example, an isolated nucleic acid may be substantially isolated with respect to the genomic environment in which it naturally occurs. An isolated nucleic acid may exist in an environment other than the environment in which it occurs in nature.

Methods of reducing seed size in plants as described herein may comprise reducing or abolishing expression of a CYP78A polypeptide in one or more cells of the plant relative to controls.

CYP78A expression may be reduced or abolished by mutation. For example, nucleic acid sequence encoding a CYP78A polypeptide within cells of said plant may be mutated, for example by insertion of a heterologous nucleic acid, within the plant cells. Alternatively, nucleic acid which regulates the expression of a CYP78A coding sequence within cells of said plant, such as a promoter or enhancer sequence, may be mutated, for example by insertion of a heterologous nucleic acid, within the plant cells.

The expression of CYP78A polypeptide may be reduced or abolished by mutating the nucleic acid sequences in the plant cell which encode the active protein and regenerating a plant from the mutated cell. The nucleic acids may be mutated by insertion or deletion of one or more nucleotides. Techniques for the inactivation or knockout of target genes are well-known in the art.

CYP78A expression may be reduced or abolished by suppression. For example, a heterologous nucleic encoding a suppressor nucleic acid which suppresses expression of a CYP78A polypeptide may be expressed within the plant cells.

The suppression of the expression of target polypeptides in plant cells is well-known in the art. Suitable suppressor nucleic acids may be copies of all or part of the target CYP78A gene inserted in antisense or sense orientation or both relative to the CYP78A gene, to achieve reduction in expression of the CYP78A gene. See, for example, van der Krol et al., (1990) The Plant Cell 2, 291-299; Napoli et al., (1990) The Plant Cell 2, 279-289; Zhang et al., (1992) The Plant Cell 4, 1575-1588, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,231,020. Further refinements of this approach may be found in WO95/34668 (Biosource); Angell & Baulcombe (1997) The EMBO Journal 16, 12:3675-3684; and Voinnet & Baulcombe (1997) Nature 389: pg 553.

In some embodiments, the suppressor nucleic acids may be sense suppressors of expression of active CYP78A protein.

A suitable sense suppressor nucleic acid may be a double stranded RNA (Fire A. et al Nature, Vol 391, (1998)). dsRNA mediated silencing is gene specific and is often termed RNA interference (RNAi). RNAi is a two step process. First, dsRNA is cleaved within the cell to yield short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) of about 21-23 nt length with 5′ terminal phosphate and 3′ short overhangs (˜2 nt). The siRNAs target the corresponding mRNA sequence specifically for destruction (Zamore P. D. Nature Structural Biology, 8, 9, 746-750, (2001)

siRNAs (sometimes called microRNAs) down-regulate gene expression by binding to complementary RNAs and either triggering mRNA elimination (RNAi) or arresting mRNA translation into protein. siRNA may be derived by processing of long double stranded RNAs and when found in nature are typically of exogenous origin. Micro-interfering RNAs (miRNA) are endogenously encoded small non-coding RNAs, derived by processing of short hairpins. Both siRNA and miRNA can inhibit the translation of mRNAs bearing partially complementary target sequences without RNA cleavage and degrade mRNAs bearing fully complementary sequences.

Accordingly, the present invention provides the use of RNAi sequences based on the CYP78A nucleic acid sequence for suppression of the expression of the CYP78A polypeptide. For example, an RNAi sequence may correspond to a fragment of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 41 or other CYP78A nucleic acid sequence referred to above, or a variant thereof.

siRNA molecules are typically double stranded and, in order to optimise the effectiveness of RNA mediated down-regulation of the function of a target gene, it is preferred that the length and sequence of the siRNA molecule is chosen to ensure correct recognition of the siRNA by the RISC complex that mediates the recognition by the siRNA of the mRNA target and so that the siRNA is short enough to reduce a host response.

miRNA ligands are typically single stranded and have regions that are partially complementary enabling the ligands to form a hairpin. miRNAs are RNA sequences which are transcribed from DNA, but are not translated into protein. A DNA sequence that codes for a miRNA is longer than the miRNA. This DNA sequence includes the miRNA sequence and an approximate reverse complement. When this DNA sequence is transcribed into a single-stranded RNA molecule, the miRNA sequence and its reverse-complement base pair to form a partially double stranded RNA segment. The design of microRNA sequences is discussed on John et al, PLoS Biology, 11(2), 1862-1879, 2004.

Typically, the RNA molecules intended to mimic the effects of siRNA or miRNA have between 10 and 40 ribonucleotides (or synthetic analogues thereof), more preferably between 17 and 30 ribonucleotides, more preferably between 19 and 25 ribonucleotides and most preferably between 21 and 23 ribonucleotides. In some embodiments of the invention employing double-stranded siRNA, the molecule may have symmetric 3′ overhangs, e.g. of one or two (ribo)nucleotides, typically a UU of dTdT 3′ overhang. Based on the disclosure provided herein, the skilled person can readily design suitable siRNA and miRNA sequences, for example using one of the numerous publically available on-line siRNA finders, such as GenScript siRNA Target Finder, GenScript USA Inc. siRNA and miRNA sequences can be synthetically produced and added exogenously to cause gene downregulation or produced using expression systems (e.g. vectors). In a preferred embodiment, the siRNA is synthesized synthetically.

Longer double stranded RNAs may be processed in the cell to produce siRNAs (see for example Myers (2003) Nature Biotechnology 21:324-328). The longer dsRNA molecule may have symmetric 3′ or 5′ overhangs, e.g. of one or two (ribo) nucleotides, or may have blunt ends. The longer dsRNA molecules may be 25 nucleotides or longer. Preferably, the longer dsRNA molecules are between 25 and 30 nucleotides long. More preferably, the longer dsRNA molecules are between 25 and 27 nucleotides long. Most preferably, the longer dsRNA molecules are 27 nucleotides in length. dsRNAs 30 nucleotides or more in length may be expressed using the vector pDECAP (Shinagawa et al., Genes and Dev., 17, 1340-5, 2003).

Another alternative is the expression of a short hairpin RNA molecule (shRNA) in the cell. shRNAs are more stable than synthetic siRNAs. A shRNA consists of short inverted repeats separated by a small loop sequence. One inverted repeat is complementary to the gene target. In the cell the shRNA is processed by DICER into a siRNA which degrades the target gene mRNA and suppresses expression. In a preferred embodiment the shRNA is produced endogenously (within a cell) by transcription from a vector. shRNAs may be produced within a cell by transfecting the cell with a vector encoding the shRNA sequence under control of a RNA polymerase III promoter such as the human H1 or 7SK promoter or a RNA polymerase II promoter. Alternatively, the shRNA may be synthesised exogenously (in vitro) by transcription from a vector. The shRNA may then be introduced directly into the cell. Preferably, the shRNA molecule comprises a partial sequence of SHR. For example, the shRNA sequence is between 40 and 100 bases in length, more preferably between 40 and 70 bases in length. The stem of the hairpin is preferably between 19 and 30 base pairs in length. The stem may contain G-U pairings to stabilise the hairpin structure.

siRNA molecules, longer dsRNA molecules or miRNA molecules may be made recombinantly by transcription of a nucleic acid sequence, preferably contained within a vector. Preferably, the siRNA molecule, longer dsRNA molecule or miRNA molecule comprises a partial sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 41 or a variant thereof, preferably any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 2, or 3 or a variant thereof, most preferably SEQ ID NO: 1 or a variant thereof.

In other embodiments, the suppressor nucleic acid may be an anti-sense suppressor of expression of a CYP78A6 polypeptide. In using anti-sense sequences to down-regulate gene expression, a nucleotide sequence is placed under the control of a promoter in a “reverse orientation” such that transcription yields RNA which is complementary to normal mRNA transcribed from the “sense” strand of the target gene. See, for example, Rothstein et al, 1987; Smith et al, (1988) Nature 334, 724-726; Zhang et al, (1992) The Plant Cell 4, 1575-1588, English et al., (1996) The Plant Cell 8, 179-188. Antisense technology is also reviewed in Bourque, (1995), Plant Science 105, 125-149, and Flavell (1994) PNAS USA 91, 3490-3496.

An anti-sense suppressor nucleic acid may comprise an anti-sense sequence of at least 10 nucleotides from a nucleotide sequence is a fragment of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 41 or other CYP78A sequence referred to above, or a variant thereof.

It may be preferable that there is complete sequence identity in the sequence used for down-regulation of expression of a target sequence, and the target sequence, although total complementarity or similarity of sequence is not essential. One or more nucleotides may differ in the sequence used from the target gene. Thus, a sequence employed in a down-regulation of gene expression in accordance with the present invention may be a wild-type sequence (e.g. gene) selected from those available, or a variant of such a sequence.

The sequence need not include an open reading frame or specify an RNA that would be translatable. It may be preferred for there to be sufficient homology for the respective anti-sense and sense RNA molecules to hybridise. There may be down regulation of gene expression even where there is about 5%, 10%, 15% or 20% or more mismatch between the sequence used and the target gene. Effectively, the homology should be sufficient for the down-regulation of gene expression to take place.

A nucleic acid encoding a CYP78A polypeptide or a CYP78A suppressor as described herein may be operably linked to a heterologous regulatory sequence, such as a promoter, for example a constitutive, inducible, tissue-specific or developmental specific promoter.

Many suitable regulatory sequences are known in the art and may be used in accordance with the invention. Examples of suitable regulatory sequences may be derived from a plant virus, for example the Cauliflower Mosaic Virus 35S (CaMV 35S) gene promoter that is expressed at a high level in virtually all plant tissues (Benfey et al, (1990) EMBO J 9: 1677-1684). Other suitable constitutive regulatory elements include the cauliflower mosaic virus 19S promoter; the Figwort mosaic virus promoter; and the nopaline synthase (nos) gene promoter (Singer et al., Plant Mol. Biol. 14:433 (1990); An, Plant Physiol. 81:86 (1986)).

Constructs for expression of the CYP78A genes or CYP78A suppressors under the control of a strong constitutive promoter (the 35S promoter) are exemplified below but those skilled in the art will appreciate that a wide variety of other promoters may be employed to advantage in particular contexts.

A tissue-specific promoter may be employed to express the CYP78A polypeptide or CYP78A suppressor in a specific tissue or organ.

For example, a seed-, seed-coat- or integument-specific promoter may be used to express the CYP78A polypeptide or CYP78A suppressor in seeds. Suitable promoters include, for example Phaseolus vulgaris phas promoter, Vicia faba leB4-, usp- or sbp-promoters, Soybean β-conglycinin α-subunit promoter, Brassica FAE1 promoter and At4g12960 promoter (AtGILTpro) (Wu et al Plant Cell Rep (2011) 30:75-80).

Alternatively, or in addition, one might select an inducible promoter. In this way, for example, the CYP78A polypeptide or suppressor may be expressed at specific times or places in order to obtain desired changes in organ growth. Inducible promoters include the alcohol inducible AlcA gene-expression system (Roslan et al., Plant Journal; 2001 Oct; 28(2):225-35) may be employed.

The nucleic acid encoding the CYP78A polypeptide or CYP78A suppressor may be contained on a nucleic acid construct or vector. The construct or vector is preferably suitable for transformation into and/or expression within a plant cell. A vector is, inter alia, any plasmid, cosmid, phage or Agrobacterium binary vector in double or single stranded linear or circular form, which may or may not be self transmissible or mobilizable, and which can transform prokaryotic or eukaryotic host, in particular a plant host, either by integration into the cellular genome or exist extrachromasomally (e.g. autonomous replicating plasmid with an origin of replication).

Specifically included are shuttle vectors by which is meant a DNA vehicle capable, naturally or by design, of replication in two different organisms, which may be selected from Actinomyces and related species, bacteria and eukaryotic (e.g. higher plant, mammalia, yeast or fungal) cells.

A construct or vector comprising nucleic acid as described above need not include a promoter or other regulatory sequence, particularly if the vector is to be used to introduce the nucleic acid into cells for recombination into the genome.

Constructs and vectors may further comprise selectable genetic markers consisting of genes that confer selectable phenotypes such as resistance to antibiotics such as kanamycin, hygromycin, phosphinotricin, chlorsulfuron, methotrexate, gentamycin, spectinomycin, imidazolinones, glyphosate and d-amino acids.

Those skilled in the art can construct vectors and design protocols for recombinant gene expression, for example in a microbial or plant cell. Suitable vectors can be chosen or constructed, containing appropriate regulatory sequences, including promoter sequences, terminator fragments, polyadenylation sequences, enhancer sequences, marker genes and other sequences as appropriate. For further details see, for example, Molecular Cloning: a Laboratory Manual: 3rd edition, Sambrook et al, 2001, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press and Protocols in Molecular Biology, Second Edition, Ausubel et al. eds. John Wiley & Sons, 1992. Specific procedures and vectors previously used with wide success upon plants are described by Bevan, Nucl. Acids Res. (1984) 12, 8711-8721), and Guerineau and Mullineaux, (1993) Plant transformation and expression vectors. In: Plant Molecular Biology Labfax (Croy RRD ed) Oxford, BIOS Scientific Publishers, pp 121-148.

When introducing a chosen nucleic acid construct into a cell, certain considerations must be taken into account, well known to those skilled in the art. The nucleic acid to be inserted should be assembled within a construct that contains effective regulatory elements that will drive transcription. There must be available a method of transporting the construct into the cell. Once the construct is within the cell membrane, integration into the endogenous chromosomal material either will or will not occur. Finally, the target cell type is preferably such that cells can be regenerated into whole plants.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that in producing constructs for achieving expression of the genes according to this invention, it is desirable to use a construct and transformation method which enhances expression of the nucleic acid encoding the CYP78A polypeptide or CYP78A suppressor. Integration of a single copy of the gene into the genome of the plant cell may be beneficial to minimize gene silencing effects. Likewise, control of the complexity of integration may be beneficial in this regard. Of particular interest in this regard is transformation of plant cells utilizing a minimal gene expression construct according to, for example, EP1407000B1, herein incorporated by reference for this purpose.

Techniques well known to those skilled in the art may be used to introduce nucleic acid constructs and vectors into plant cells to produce transgenic plants with the properties described herein.

Agrobacterium transformation is one method widely used by those skilled in the art to transform plant species. Production of stable, fertile transgenic plants is now routine in the art (see for example Toriyama, et al. (1988) Bio/Technology 6, 1072-1074; Zhang, et al. (1988) Plant Cell Rep. 7, 379-384; Zhang, et al. (1988) Theor Appl Genet 76, 835-840; Shimamoto, et al. (1989) Nature 338, 274-276; CYP78A6tta, et al. (1990) Bio/Technology 8, 736-740; Christou, et al. (1991) Bio/Technology 9, 957-962; Peng, et al. (1991) International Rice Research Institute, Manila, Philippines 563-574; Cao, et al. (1992) Plant Cell Rep. 11, 585-591; Li, et al. (1993) Plant Cell Rep. 12, 250-255; Rathore, et al. (1993) Plant Molecular Biology 21, 871-884; Fromm, et al. (1990) Bio/Technology 8, 833-839; Gordon-Kamm, et al. (1990) Plant Cell 2, 603-618; D'Halluin, et al. (1992) Plant Cell 4, 1495-1505; Walters, et al. (1992) Plant Molecular Biology 18, 189-200; Koziel, et al. (1993) Biotechnology 11, 194-200; Vasil, I. K. (1994) Plant Molecular Biology 25, 925-937; Weeks, et al. (1993) Plant Physiology 102, 1077-1084; Somers, et al. (1992) Bio/Technology 10, 1589-1594; WO92/14828; Nilsson, O. et al (1992) Transgenic Research 1, 209-220).

Other methods, such as microprojectile or particle bombardment (U.S. Pat. No. 5,100,792, EP-A-444882, EP-A-434616), electroporation (EP 290395, WO 8706614), microinjection (WO 92/09696, WO 94/00583, EP 331083, EP 175966, Green et al. (1987) Plant Tissue and Cell Culture, Academic Press), direct DNA uptake (DE 4005152, WO 9012096, U.S. Pat. No. 4,684,611), liposome mediated DNA uptake (e.g. Freeman et al. Plant Cell Physiol. 29: 1353 (1984)) or the vortexing method (e.g. Kindle, PNAS U.S.A. 87: 1228 (1990d)) may be preferred where Agrobacterium transformation is inefficient or ineffective, for example in some gymnosperm species.

Physical methods for the transformation of plant cells are reviewed in Oard, 1991, Biotech. Adv. 9: 1-11.

Alternatively, a combination of different techniques may be employed to enhance the efficiency of the transformation process, e.g. bombardment with Agrobacterium coated microparticles (EP-A-486234) or microprojectile bombardment to induce wounding followed by co-cultivation with Agrobacterium (EP-A-486233).

Following transformation, a plant may be regenerated, e.g. from single cells, callus tissue or leaf discs, as is standard in the art. Almost any plant can be entirely regenerated from cells, tissues and organs of the plant. Available techniques are reviewed in Vasil et al., Cell Culture and Somatic Cell Genetics of Plants, Vol I, II and III, Laboratory Procedures and Their Applications, Academic Press, 1984, and Weissbach and Weissbach, Methods for Plant Molecular Biology, Academic Press, 1989.

The particular choice of a transformation technology will be determined by its efficiency to transform certain plant species as well as the experience and preference of the person practising the invention with a particular methodology of choice. It will be apparent to the skilled person that the particular choice of a transformation system to introduce nucleic acid into plant cells is not essential to or a limitation of the invention, nor is the choice of technique for plant regeneration.

In some embodiments, the plant cell may further comprise altered expression of a DA protein, such as DA-1, and/or EOD1/BB protein. For example, expression of a DA and/or EOD1/BB protein may be reduced or abolished in plant cells in which CYP78A expression is increased, or dominant negative forms of DA and/or EOD1/BB proteins may be expressed. Expression of a DA and/or EOD1/BB protein may be increased in plant cells in which CYP78A expression is reduced.

DA proteins possess a characteristic domain structure comprising

a LIM domain, a UIM1 domain and a UIM2 domain (Li et al Genes & Dev, 2008. 22: 1331-1336; WO2009/04752). ADA polypeptide may comprise the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42 (AT1G19270; NP_173361.1 GI: 15221983) or may be a fragment or variant of this sequence which retains DA activity.

Big Brother (EOD1/BB) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase which is known to repress plant organ growth (Disch Curr Biol 16 272-279 (2006)). A BB protein may comprise the amino acid sequence of At3g63530 NP_001030922.1 GI: 79316205 (SEQ ID NO: 97), or may be a fragment or variant which retains BB activity or is capable of interfering with the function of BB.

A BB protein or DA protein which is a variant of a reference BB or DA sequence described above may comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 98% sequence identity to the reference sequence. Sequence identity is described in more detail above.

DA proteins and EOD1/BB proteins, which may include AtDA1 (At1G19270) and AtBB (At3g63530), respectively, and variants thereof, are described and defined in detail in WO2009/04752, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

Particular amino acid sequence variants may differ from the DA polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 42 or the BB polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 97 (At3g63530) by insertion, addition, substitution or deletion of 1 amino acid, 2, 3, 4, 5-10, 10-20 20-30, 30-50, or more than 50 amino acids.

Plant as described herein having altered CYP78A expression in one or more cells therein, for example abolished, reduced, or increased CYP78A expression relative to controls, may be sexually or asexually propagated or off-spring or descendants may be grown.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of producing a plant with an altered seed size comprising:

-   -   incorporating a heterologous nucleic acid which alters the         expression of a CYP78A polypeptide into a plant cell by means of         transformation, and;     -   regenerating the plant from one or more transformed cells.

As described above, the heterologous nucleic acid may encode a CYP78A polypeptide or a CYP78A suppressor molecule or may inactivate the endogenous CYP78A coding sequence of the plant or a regulatory sequence thereof, for example a repressor or enhancer.

The altered phenotype of the plant produced by the method is described in more detail above. The method may be useful, for example, in producing plants having increased yields, for example, crop plants having improved grain yield, relative to control plants.

In some embodiments, a method may further comprise reducing or abolishing the expression or activity of a DA polypeptide and/or EOD1/BB protein in the plant cell or plant.

This may be carried out before, at the same time or after the incorporation of the nucleic acid which encodes the CYP78A polypeptide. For example, in some embodiments, the expression or activity of a DA polypeptide and/or EOD1/BB protein may be abolished or reduced in one or more plant cells which already incorporate the nucleic acid encoding the CYP78A polypeptide. In other embodiments, the nucleic acid encoding the CYP78A polypeptide may be incorporated into one or more plant cells which have abolished or reduced expression of a DA polypeptide and/or EOD1/BB protein.

A plant thus produced may comprise a heterologous nucleic acid which encodes a CYP78A polypeptide and may possess abolished or reduced expression or activity of a DA polypeptide and/or EOD1/BB protein in one or more of its plant cells.

The expression or activity of a DA polypeptide and/or EOD1/BB protein may be reduced or abolished as described above. For example, a method may comprise incorporating a heterologous nucleic acid into a plant cell by means of transformation, wherein the nucleic acid encodes a suppressor nucleic acid, such as a siRNA or shRNA, which reduces the expression of a DA polypeptide and/or EOD1/BB protein.

The heterologous nucleic acids encoding the CYP78A polypeptide and Da and/or EOD1/BB suppressor nucleic acid may be on the same or different expression vectors and may be incorporated into the plant cell by conventional techniques.

CYP78A6 polypeptides and CYP78A suppressor nucleic acids are described in more detail above.

In some embodiments, the expression or activity of two or more CYP78A polypeptides, such as CYP78A6 and CYP78A9, may be abolished or reduced to produce a plant having reduced seed size.

A plant produced as described above may be sexually or asexually propagated or grown to produce off-spring or descendants. Off-spring or descendants of the plant regenerated from the one or more cells may be sexually or asexually propagated or grown. The plant or its off-spring or descendents may be crossed with other plants or with itself.

A plant suitable for use in the present methods is preferably a higher plant, for example an agricultural plant selected from the group consisting of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, Taxus spp, tobacco, cucurbits, carrot, vegetable brassica, melons, capsicums, grape vines, lettuce, strawberry, oilseed brassica, sugar beet, wheat, barley, maize, rice, soyabeans, peas, sorghum, sunflower, tomato, potato, pepper, chrysanthemum, carnation, linseed, hemp and rye.

In some embodiments, the plant may be a flowering plant (angiosperm). Flowering plants may include monocotyledons or dicotyledons, such as eudicots, in particular members of the Rosid clade, including Brasicaceae, such as broccoli, horseradish, cabbage, and cauliflower. In some embodiments, a plant may be other than Arabidopsis thaliana.

Another aspect of the invention provides a plant which comprises a heterologous nucleic acid which alters expression of a CYP78A polypeptide, as described above, and optionally has reduced or abolished expression of a DA polypeptide and/or EOD1/BB polypeptide.

The plant may display an altered seed size phenotype relative to controls (e.g. non-transgenic plants of the same species). For example, a plant which displays increased expression of a CYP78A polypeptide may display increased seed size relative to controls.

A plant which displays increased expression of the CYP78A6 polypeptide may also display one or more of; increased flower and leaf size, increased stem thickness, and increased height relative to control plants (e.g. identical plants which do not display increased expression of the CYP78A6 polypeptide).

A plant which displays reduced expression of a CYP78A polypeptide may display reduced seed size relative to controls.

A suitable plant with altered expression of a CYP78A polypeptide may be produced by a method described herein

In some embodiments, the plant may have normal fertility relative to control plants.

In some embodiments, a plant may not display increased organ size relative to controls.

In addition to a plant comprising a heterologous nucleic acid which alters CYP78A expression, for example a nucleic acid which encodes a CYP78A polypeptide or CYP78A suppressor molecule, as described herein, the invention encompasses any clone of such a plant, seed, selfed or hybrid progeny and descendants, and any part or propagule of any of these, such as cuttings and seed, which may be used in reproduction or propagation, sexual or asexual. Also encompassed by the invention is a plant which is a sexually or asexually propagated off-spring, clone or descendant of such a plant, or any part or propagule of said plant, off-spring, clone or descendant.

“and/or” where used herein is to be taken as specific disclosure of each of the two specified features or components with or without the other. For example “A and/or B” is to be taken as specific disclosure of each of (i) A, (ii) B and (iii) A and B, just as if each is set out individually herein.

Unless context dictates otherwise, the descriptions and definitions of the features set out above are not limited to any particular aspect or embodiment of the invention and apply equally to all aspects and embodiments which are described.

Having generally described the invention above, certain aspects and embodiments of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example to extend the written description and enablement of the invention, and to ensure adequate disclosure of the best mode of practicing the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that the scope of this invention should not be interpreted as being limited by the specifics of these examples. Rather, variations, extensions, modifications and equivalents of these specifics and generic extensions of these details may be made without departing from the scope of the invention comprehended by this disclosure. Therefore, for an appreciation of the scope of this invention and the exclusive rights claimed herein, reference should be had to the claims appended to this disclosure, including equivalents thereof.

All documents mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

The contents of all database entries mentioned in this specification are also incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. This includes the versions of any sequences which are current at the filing date of this application.

Examples

Methods

Activation Tagging Screening

The Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain GV3101 was transformed with the activation tagging vector pJFAT260 (Fan et al., 2009), and the resulting strain was used for floral dip transformation of Arabidopsis da1-1 mutant plants (Li et al., 2008). T₁ plants were selected by using the herbicide Basta. Seeds produced from T₁ plants were passed through a fine wire sieve (425 μm) (Fisher Scientific). Seeds retained by the sieve were kept for further characterization.

Plant Materials and Growth Conditions

Arabidopsis thaliana Columbia (Col-0) was the wild type line used. All mutants were in the Col-0 background. Plant materials and growth conditions are available in the Supporting Information.

Morphological and Cellular Analysis

Area measurements of fully expanded cotyledons, petals (stage 14), and leaves were made by flattening the organs, scanning to produce a digital image, and then calculating area by using Image J software. Embryo cell sizes were measured on the adaxial side of cotyledons from DIC images.

For analysis of whole-mount seeds, seeds were dissected from siliques and placed in a drop of clearing solution [30 ml H₂O, 80 g Chloral hydrate (Sigma, C8383), 10 ml 100% Glycerol (Sigma, G6279)]. Samples were photographed under a Leica microscope (LEICA DM2500) with differential interference contrast optics using a SPOT FLEX Cooled CCD Digital Imaging System.

Seed Size and Seed Mass Analysis

Average seed mass was determined by weighing mature dry seeds in batches of 500 using an electronic analytical balance (METTLER TOLEDO AL104, China). The weights of five sample batches were measured for each seed lot. The wild-type and mutant seeds were photographed under a Leica microscope (LEICA S8APO) using Leica CCD (DFC420). The length, width and projective area of wild-type and mutant seeds were measured by using Image J software.

Cloning of the EOD3 Gene

The flanking region of the T-DNA insertion of the eod3-JD mutant was isolated by the thermal asymmetric interlaced PCR (TAIL-PCR) (Liu et al., 1995). Detailed protocols are described in the Supporting Information.

Constructs and Transformation

The EOD3 CDS was subcloned into the PstI site of the binary vector 35S::pGreen to generate the transformation plasmid 35S::EOD3. The specific primers for the EOD3 CDS are EOD3CDS-F and EOD3CDS-R.

The 1878 bp EOD3 promoter was subcloned into SacI and NcoI sites of the binary vector pGreen-GUS to generate the transformation plasmid pEOD3::GUS. The specific primers for the EOD3 promoter are EOD3PROM-F and EOD3PROM-R.

GUS Staining

Samples (pEOD3::GUS) were stained in a solution of 1 mM X-gluc, 50 mM NaPO₄ buffer, 0.4 mM each K₃Fe(CN)₆/K₄Fe(CN)₆, 0.1% (v/v) Triton X-100 and incubated at 37° C. for 8 hrs. After GUS staining chlorophyll was removed using 70% ethanol.

RT-PCR, Quantitative Real-Time RT-PCR, and RNA In Situ Hybridization

Total RNA was extracted from Arabidopsis seedlings using an RNAprep pure Plant kit (TIANGEN). Reverse transcription (RT)-PCR was performed as described (Li et al., 2006). cDNA samples were standardized on actin transcript amount using the primers ACTIN7-F and ACTIN7-R. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis was performed with a Lightcycler 480 machine (Roche) using the Lightcycler 480 SYBR Green I Master (Roche). ACTIN2 mRNA was used as an internal control, and relative amounts of mRNA were calculated using the comparative threshold cycle method. RNA in situ hybridization method is described in the Supporting Information. The primers used for RT-PCR, quantitative real-time RT-PCR, and RNA in situ hybridization are described herein.

Plant Materials and Growth Conditions

Arabidopsis thaliana Columbia (Col-0) was the wild type line used. All mutants were in the Col-0 background. eod3-1D was identified as an enhancer of da1-1 by using T-DNA activation tagging method. The eod3-ko1 (CS833552), eod3-ko2 (CS806696), cyp78a9-ko1 (SALK 121278) and ttg2-3 (SALK 148838) were identified in AtIDB (Arabidopsis Thaliana Integrated Database) and obtained from Arabidopsis Stock Centre ABRC collection. The eod3-ko1, eod3-ko2, cyp78a9-ko1 and ttg2-3 mutants were backcrossed into Col-0 for three times. T-DNA insertions were confirmed by PCR and sequencing by using the primers described in Supplementary Table 3. Seeds were surface-sterilized with 100% isopropanol for 1 min and 10% (v/v) household bleach for 10 mins, washed at least five times with sterile water, stratified at 4° C. for 2d in the dark, dispersed on Murashige and Skoog medium (Sigma) supplemented with 0.9% agar and 1% glucose, and then grown at 22° C.

Cloning of the EOD3 Gene

The flanking region of the T-DNA insertion of the eod3-1D mutant was isolated by the thermal asymmetric interlaced PCR (TAIL-PCR) (Liu et al., 1995). Genomic DNA was prepared by using buffer containing 50 mM Tris-HCL (pH8.0), 25 mM EDTA, 250 mM NaCl and 0.5% SDS. Approximately 100 ng of the genomic DNA of the eod3-1D da1-1 mutant was used to perform TAIL-PCR analysis according to a previously reported method (Liu et al., 1995). Briefly, TAIL-PCR utilizes three nested specific primers (OJF22, OJF23 and OJF24) within the T-DNA region of the pJFAT260 vector together with a shorter arbitrary degenerate primer (AD1) so that the relative amplification efficiencies of specific and non-specific products can be thermally controlled. The specific primers OJF22, OJF23 and OJF24 and an arbitrary degenerate (AD1) primer are described in Table S3. TAIL-PCR products were sequenced by using the primer OJF24.

Cellular Analysis

For resin sections, siliques were cut transversely into four pieces and fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde. The tissues were embedded in Technovit 7100 resin (Heraeus Kulzer, Germany), sectioned at 5 μm thickness and stained with 0.05% toluidine blue.

RNA In Situ Hybridization

In situ hybridization was performed as described (Li et al., 2003). DIG-labeled RNA transcripts were generated by transcription of EOD3 and CYP78A9 in sense or antisense orientation using SP6 or T7 RNA polymerase (Roche). After hybridization, washing and blocking, DIG-labeled RNA transcripts reacting with alkaline phosphatase-conjugated anti-DIG Fab fragment (1:3000 [v/v], Roche) were detected using 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate/nitroblue tetrazolium. The slides were observed with a microscope (LEICA DM2500) and photographed using a SPOT FLEX Cooled CCD Digital Imaging System.

Expression of Arabidopsis EOD3 in Oryza sativa

For overexpression of Arabidopsis EOD3 in Oryza sativa, the full length CDS of EOD3 was subcloned into pCR8/GW/TOPO TA cloning vector (Invitrogen) using TOPO enzyme and sequenced. The EOD3 CDS was then subcloned into Gateway Binary Vector pIPKb002 containing the Zm-ubiqutin promoter (FIG. 19). The construct was then introduced into callus of Oryza sativa L. japonica. cv. Nipponbare and selected on hygromycin-containing medium. The detailed methods were described in Hiei et al (1994) Plant J 6 271-282.

The areas of 24 seeds from each line of TO transgene plants were scanned to produce digital images, and then the average area per seed was calculated using Image J software as an indicator of seed size. The average area per seeds from each transgenic line was then determined.

Results

We previously characterized the Arabidopsis da1-1 mutant, which had larger seeds than wild type (Li et al., 2008). DA1, encoding a predicted ubiquitin receptor, sets final seed size by restricting cell proliferation (Li et al., 2008). To identify other components in the DA1 pathway or additional factors of seed size control, we initiated a T-DNA activation tagging screen in a da1-1 homozygous genetic background. Seeds produced from approximate 16,000 T₁ plants were screened for mutations affecting the seed size phenotype of da1-1. A dominant enhancer of da1-1 (eod3-1D), which enhanced the seed size phenotype of da1-1, was identified (FIGS. 1A and D). Seeds of the eod3-1D da1-1 double mutant were dramatically larger and heavier than those of the da1-1 mutant (FIG. 1D an E). The embryo constitutes the major volume of a mature seed in Arabidopsis. The size of eod3-1D da1-1 embryos was substantially increased, compared with that of Col-0 and da1-1 embryos (FIG. 1B). The changes in seed size were also reflected in the size of seedlings (FIG. 1C). Cotyledons of eod3-1D da1-1 seedlings were significantly larger than those of Col-0 and da1-1 seedlings (FIGS. 1C and F). In addition, eod3-1D da1-1 double mutant had larger flowers and leaves than da1-1 (FIG. 10).

Eod3-1D Sets Large Seeds

To determine whether the single eod3-1D mutant has the altered seed size, we identified the eod3-1D mutant among F₂ progeny derived from a cross between the eod3-1D da1-1 double mutant and wild type (Col-0). Seeds produced by eod3-1D were larger and heavier than the wild-type seeds (FIGS. 2A, E and F). In addition to the seed phenotype, eod3-1D plants showed larger flowers and leaves, thicker stems, and higher plants than wild type (FIG. 2B; FIG. 11A; Table 1). However, the number of rosette and cauline leaves was similar in wild type and eod3-1D, and the number of rosette and cauline branches in eod3-1D was also comparable with that in wild type (Table 1).

The eod3-1D mutation also caused defects in reproductive development. For example, eod3-1D mutant produced fewer elongated siliques than wild type (Table 1). First several flowers on the primary inflorescences of eod3-1D did not open normally (FIGS. 11B and C). Their stamens were much shorter than those of wild type (FIGS. 11B and C). The dehiscence of eod3-1D anthers was much delayed (FIG. 11C), but their pollens were functional (FIGS. 11D and E). The enlarged siliques were more frequently observed on the latest-arising flowers of old plants. In general, the enlarged siliques contained few seeds although the number of ovules per silique in eod3-1D was not reduced (Table 1). We observed that carpels of the late developing eod3-1D flowers were longer than those of wild-type flowers, whereas the length of stamens was similar to that of wild-type stamens (FIG. 2C; FIG. 11A), such that eod3-1D pollen is not able to directly reach stigmatic papillae; this could, in part, explain the decreased fertility. Fully elongated eod3-1D mutant siliques were longer and wider than wild-type siliques (FIG. 2D).

To determine whether the large seed size phenotype could result from allocation of extra resources to the few seeds produced, we hand-pollinated six flowers on primary inflorescences of wild-type plants, eod3-1D, and a male-sterile mutant (CS4002). For this set of experiments, flowers were pollinated with pollens of the same genotypes, with the exception of male-sterile plants for which wild-type pollens were used. Thus, each male-sterile plant produced only six siliques. The average seed size from male-sterile maternal plants was increased to 116% of that from wild-type maternal plants (FIG. 2G), indicating that seed size increased under condition of reduced fertility. By contrast, the average seed size from the eod3-1D mutant were approximate 170% of that from wild type (FIG. 2G), indicating that the effect of eod3-1D on seed size is not primarily due to its effect on fertility.

EOD3 Encodes a Cytochrome P450 Monooxygenase

To test whether this T-DNA insertion might cause the eod3-1D phenotypes, we analyzed the genetic linkage of the mutant phenotype with Basta resistance, which is conferred by the selectable marker of the activation tagging vector (Fan et al., 2009). All 101 plants with eod3-1D da1-1 phenotypes in T₂ population were resistant, whereas the 36 plants with da1-1 phenotypes were sensitive, indicating that the insertion is responsible for the eod3-1D mutation. To identify the EOD3 gene, the DNA flanking the T-DNA insertion was isolated by thermal asymmetric interlaced PCR (Liu et al., 1995). Sequence analysis indicated that the insertion was in an intergenic region on chromosome II between the genes At2g46660 and At2g46670. The T-DNA had inserted approximately 3.2 kb upstream of the At2g46660 gene and about 6.5 kb downstream of the At2g46670 gene (FIG. 3A). The mRNA levels of these two genes were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Expression levels of the At2g46670 gene were similar in da1-1 and eod3-1D da1-1 plants (FIG. 3B), indicating that At2g46670 was unlikely to be the EOD3 gene. The mRNA of At2g46660 accumulated at a higher level in eod3-1D da1-1 than in da1-1 (FIG. 3B), strongly indicating that At2g46660 is likely to be the EOD3 gene. To demonstrate that this gene corresponded to EOD3, we overexpressed the At2g46660 gene in Col-0 wild-type plants and isolated 41 transgenic plants. Most transgenic plants showed large seeds and increased plant height (FIGS. 3C and D; FIG. 12A), as had been seen in the eod3-1D single mutant, confirming At2g46660 is the EOD3 gene. Importantly, the 35S::EOD3#7 transgenic plants exhibited normal growth and fertility, but produced significantly large seeds compared with wild type (FIG. 3 C; FIGS. 12B and C).

The EOD3 gene encodes the putative cytochrome P450 monooxygenase CYP78A6, one of six members of the CYP78A family in Arabidopsis. Genes in the CYP78A class belong to the group A cytochrome P450 in plants and seem to perform plant-specific functions (Zondlo and Irish, 1999; Ito and Meyerowitz, 2000; Anastasiou et al., 2007). EOD3/CYP78A6 exhibits the highest similarity to Arabidopsis CYP78A9 (FIG. 3E) (Ito and Meyerowitz, 2000).

EOD3/CYP78A6 Acts Redundantly with CYP78A9 to Control Seed Size

In order to further understand the function of EOD3, we isolated T-DNA inserted loss-of-function mutants for EOD3/CYP78A6 and CYP78A9, the most closely related family member. eod3-ko1 and eod3-ko2 were identified with T-DNA insertions in the first and second exons of the EOD3/CYP78A6 gene, respectively (FIG. 4A). cyp78a9-ko1 had T-DNA insertion in the second exon of CYP78A9 (FIG. 4B). The T-DNA insertion sites were confirmed by PCR using T-DNA specific and flanking primers and sequencing PCR products (FIG. 13). The eod3-ko1, eod3-ko2 and cyp78a9-ko1 mutants were further backcrossed into Col-0 for three times.

Seeds from eod3-ko1, eod3-ko2 and cyp78a9-ko1 mutants were smaller and lighter than seeds from wild-type plants (FIGS. 4F and G). Silique length in eod3-ko1, eod3-ko2 and cyp78a9-ko1 was reduced, compared with that in wild type (FIGS. 4D and H). By contrast, the size of leaves and petals, stem thickness and plant height in eod3-ko1 and cyp78a9-ko1 were comparable with those in wild type (Table 1). In addition, the number of rosette and cauline leaves, rosette and cauline branches, siliques per plant and ovules per silique in eod3-ko1 and cyp78a9-ko1 was similar to that in wild type (Table 1). As EOD3/CYP78A6 shows the highest similarity to the Arabidopsis CYP78A9, we postulated that EOD3 may act redundantly with CYP78A9 to control seed size. To test this, we generated the double knockout mutants, eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 and eod3-ko2 cyp78a9-ko1. The seed size and weight phenotype of eod3-ko mutants was synergistically enhanced by the disruption of CYP78A9 (FIGS. 4F and G), indicating that EOD3 functions redundantly with CYP78A9 to control seed growth. The eod3-ko cyp78a9-ko mutations also caused a significant change in seed shape (FIG. 4C). eod3-ko cyp78a9-ko seeds were shorter than wild-type seeds, whereas seed width was comparable with that of wild type (FIGS. 4C, I and J), indicating that eod3-ko cyp78a9-ko seeds are more round in shape than wild type. eod3-ko cyp78a9-ko produced fewer siliques per plant than wild type (Table 1). The length of siliques in eod3-ko cyp78a9-ko was dramatically reduced, compared with their parental lines (FIGS. 4D and H). Surprisingly, the number of ovules per silique in eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 was similar to that in wild type, resulting in a higher density of seeds within siliques (FIG. 4E; Table 1). In addition, the primary inflorescence stem of eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 was shorter than that of wild type, and the size of petals and leaves was slightly reduced compared with wild type (Table 1). However, the number of leaves and branches in eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 was comparable with that observed in wild type (Table 1).

EOD3 Acts Maternally to Influence Seed Size

To obtain clues about the genetic control of seed size, we asked whether EOD3 functions maternally or zygotically. Reciprocal cross experiments between wild type and eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 were performed. The effect of eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 on seed size was observed only when maternal plants are eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 mutant. Seeds produced by an eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 mother, regardless of the genotype of the pollen donor, were consistently smaller than those produced by maternal wild-type plants, and eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 mutant pollen in a wild-type mother produced seeds with wild-type size (FIG. 5A). This indicates that eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 can act maternally to control seed size. We further did reciprocal cross experiments between wild type and eod3-1D. Pollinating wild-type plants with eod3-1D pollen leads to the development of eod3-1D/+ embryos within a wild-type seed coat. However, the size of the resulting seeds was comparable with that of self-pollinated wild type seeds (FIG. 5B). In contrast, we could not observed the wild-type sized seeds from eod3-1D/+ plants fertilized with wild-type pollen, although half of them contained wild-type embryos. We further measured the size of individual seeds from eod3-1D/+ plants fertilized with wild-type pollen and genotyped the eod3-1D mutation. Our results show that the eod3-1D mutation is not associated with variation in the size of these seeds (FIG. 14). Together, these analyses indicate that the embryo and endosperm genotype for EOD3 do not influence seed size, and EOD3 is required in the sporophytic tissue of the mother plant to promote seed growth.

Eod3-Ko1 cyp78a9-Ko1 Reduces Cell Expansion in the Integuments of Developing Seeds

The reciprocal crosses indicate that EOD3 acts maternally to influence seed growth. The integuments surrounding the ovule form the seed coat after fertilization, which may physically restrict seed growth. The integument size of ovules is known to influence seed size (Garcia et al., 2005; Schruff et al., 2006). We therefore asked whether EOD3 functions through the maternal integument to affect seed size. To test this, we characterized mature ovules from wild type and eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 at 2 days after emasculation. Surprisingly, the size of eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 ovules was not significantly altered, compared with that of wild-type ovules (FIG. 6A and FIG. 15). We further investigated the outer integument length of wild-type and eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 seeds at specific times after pollination. The size of wild-type and eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 outer integuments showed a significant difference at 2 days after pollination (DAP) and subsequent time points (FIG. 6B). Previous study showed that the integument of a developing seed could completely stop cell division at 4 d after pollination (Garcia et al., 2005). To assess the contribution of cell proliferation and cell expansion in the integuments of developing seeds to eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1, we measured outer integument cell number and cell size at 6 DAP. Outer integument cell number in eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 was similar to that in wild type (FIG. 6C), whereas cells in eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 outer integuments were significantly smaller than those in wild-type outer integuments (FIG. 6D). These results indicate that eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 restricts cell expansion in the integuments of developing seeds.

Eod3-1D Promotes Both Cell Proliferation and Cell Expansion in the Integuments

As the gain-of-function eod3-1D mutant had large seeds, we further asked whether eod3-1D mutant affects the integument size of ovules and developing seeds. The size of eod3-1D ovules was significantly larger than wild-type ovules (FIG. 6A and FIG. S6). eod3-1D also had dramatically larger outer integuments than wild type during the whole process of seed development (FIG. 6B). We further investigated outer integument cell number and cell size of developing seeds at 6 DAP and found that eod3-1D had more and larger outer integument cells than wild type (FIGS. 6 C and D).

Effects of Eod3-Ko1 cyp78a9-Ko1 and Eod3-1D Mutations on Embryo Development

eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 and eod3-1D had smaller and larger seed coats, respectively. The maternal integument or seed coat acts as a physical constraint on embryo growth. We therefore investigated whether eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 and eod3-1D integuments could indirectly influence embryo development. To test this, we manually pollinated wild-type, eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 and eod3-1D plants with their own pollen grains and examined developing embryos at specific times after pollination. In the siliques of wild-type plants, the majority of embryos reached the globular stage at 2DAP, the heart and torpedo stages at 4DAP, the bent-cotyledon stage at 6 DAP, and the stage of the fully filled seed cavity from 10 DAP onward (Table 2). Developmental progresses of eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 embryos were almost similar to those of wild type. However, morphological development of eod3-1D embryos was slightly slower than wild type at 4 DAP. At 6 DAP, most embryos reached the bent-cotyledon stage, as seen in wild-type plants (Table 2). This phenomenon of embryo development has also been observed in other Arabidopsis mutants (Schruff et al., 2006; Ohto et al., 2009; Zhou et al., 2009). Interestingly, the majority of wild-type embryos fully filled the seed cavity at 12 DAP, while most eod3-1D embryos completely filled the seed cavity at 14 DAP. It is plausible that eod3-1D forms a larger seed cavity than wild type; therefore eod3-1D embryos need to grow for a longer period of time to fill the large seed cavity than wild-type embryos.

Effects of Eod3-Ko1 cyp78a9-Ko1 and Eod3-1D Mutations on Embryo Cell Number and Cell Size

We isolated and visualized embryos from mature eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 and eod3-1D seeds. eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 embryos were significantly smaller than those of wild type, whereas eod3-1D produced large mature embryos compared with wild type (FIG. 7A). The average cotyledon area of eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 and eod3-1D embryos was about 72% and 196% that of wild-type embryos, respectively (FIG. 7B). The size of embryos is determined by both cell number and cell size. We measured palisade cells in the central regions of wild-type, eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 and eod3-1D cotyledons to learn which parameter is affected. The average size of eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 cotyledon cells was 79% that of wild-type cotyledon cells, while the average size of eod3-1D cotyledon cells was 1.36-fold that of the wild-type cotyledon cells (FIG. 7C). The magnitude of the changes in the areas of eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 and wild-type cotyledons (0.72 times) closely parallels the differences in the areas of cotyledon cells (0.79 times), indicating that eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 mainly affects embryo cell expansion. Given differences in the areas of eod3-1D and wild-type cotyledons (1.96 times) and cells (1.36 times), we conclude that eod3-1D had approximate 1.44 times more cells than wild type (1.96/1.36=1.44). These results indicate that eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 formed small embryos as a result of the reduced embryo cell expansion, and eod3-1D had large embryos due to increases in both embryo cell proliferation and cell expansion. Thus, EOD3 could act maternally to influence embryo cell proliferation and cell expansion because EOD3 is solely required in the sporophytic tissue of the mother plant to control seed growth (FIG. 5).

Expression Pattern of EOD3/CYP78A6

To examine the expression pattern of EOD3, RT-PCR were performed with total RNA from various tissues with EOD3-specific primers, including roots, stems, leaves, seedlings and inflorescences. EOD3 mRNA can be detected in all plant organs tested (FIG. 8A). To monitor EOD3 expression pattern during development, the pEOD3::GUS vector was constructed and transformed to wild-type plants. Tissues at different development stages were stained with GUS solution. In 14-d-old seedlings, GUS activity was detected in leaves. Relatively high GUS activity was observed in old leaves than in young ones (FIG. 8B). In flowers, GUS expression was detected in sepals, petals, stamens and carpels (FIG. 8C-H). Surprisingly, there was no EOD3 expression during the development of seeds (FIG. 8I-L; FIG. 17). We further performed in situ hybridization experiments to investigate expression of EOD3. EOD3 accumulated in the medial gynoecial domains at stage 8 (FIG. 8M). During stage 12, the EOD3 transcript was found within the central region of the septum (FIG. 8N). Expression was also seen in the funiculus (FIG. 8N). However, EOD3 expression was not detected in integuments, embryos, and endosperms during seed development (FIG. 16A-D), consistent with the GUS staining results. Similarly, CYP78A9 was also not observed in developing seeds (FIG. 16E-H). These analyses indicate that EOD3 is a temporally and spatially expressed gene.

EOD3 May Function Independently of DA1 and TTG2 to Influence Seed Size

da1-1 mutant had large seeds due to the increased cell proliferation in maternal integuments (Li et al., 2008), while eod3-ko mutants produced small seeds as a result of the reduced cell expansion in the integuments after fertilization, providing indication that EOD3 and DA1 might function in different pathways. However, the gain-of-function eod3-1D mutant promotes both cell proliferation and cell expansion in the integuments. We therefore asked whether there are any genetic interactions between eod3-1D and da1-1. To test this, we measured the size of seeds in wild-type, da1-1, eod3-1D and eod3-1D da1-1 plants. The genetic interaction between eod3-1D and da1-1 was essentially additive for seed size, compared with their parental lines (FIG. 9A), further indicating that EOD3 might function independently of DA1 to control seed size.

The TTG2 gene acts maternally to promote cell expansion in the integuments. ttg2 mutants produced small seeds as a result of the reduced cell elongation in the integuments (Garcia et al., 2005). To determine the genetic interaction between EOD3 and TTG2, we generated ttg2-3 eod3-ko1 double mutant. The genetic interaction between eod3-ko1 and ttg2-3 was additive for seed size, compared with their parental lines (FIG. 9B), providing indication that EOD3 functions to control seed growth separately from TTG2.

EOD3 Promotes Seed Growth by Increasing Maternal Integument Size

In this study, we identified the role of EOD3/CYP78A6 in seed size control. eod3-1D gain-of-function mutant formed larger seeds, while eod3-ko loss-of-function mutants exhibited smaller seeds. In addition, mutations in its most closely related family member CYP78A9 synergistically enhanced the seed size phenotype of eod3-ko mutants (FIGS. 4C, F and G), indicating that EOD3/CYP78A6 acts redundantly with CYP78A9 to influence seed growth. However, the eod3-1D mutant exhibited partial sterility although eod3-ko mutants had normal fertility. The tradeoff between seed number and size in many species (Harper et al., 1970), including Arabidopsis (Alonso-Blanco et al., 1999), has been observed. Our results show that the effect of eod3-1D on seed size is not primarily due to its effect on fertility. Similarly, recent studies show that apt and arf2 mutations increase seed size partly because of reduced fertility but also through a separate maternal effect on seed growth (Jofuku et al., 2005; Ohto et al., 2005; Schruff et al., 2006).

Reciprocal cross experiments show that EOD3 acts maternally to affect seed growth. The integuments surrounding the ovule are maternal tissues and form the seed coat after fertilization. Altered maternal integument size such as those seen in arf2, da1-1 and klu ovules is known to contribute to changes in seed size (Schruff et al., 2006; Li et al., 2008; Adamski et al., 2009). However, the size of mature eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 ovules was similar to that of wild-type ovules, indicating that the size difference between the wild-type and eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 seeds happens after fertilization. Consistent with this idea, eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 integuments were smaller than wild-type integuments from 2DAP onward (FIG. 6B). By contrast, eod3-1D formed large integuments in mature ovules and developing seeds (FIGS. 6A and B). Thus, a general theme emerging from these studies is that the control of maternal integument size is one of critical mechanisms for determining final seed size.

The size of the integument or seed coat is determined by cell proliferation and cell expansion. The cell number in the integuments of the mature ovule sets the growth potential of the seed coat after fertilization. For example, arf2 and da1-1 mutants had large ovules with more cells, resulting in large seeds (Schruff et al., 2006; Li et al., 2008), whereas klu mutants formed small ovules with less cells, leading to small seeds (Adamski et al., 2009). After fertilization, cells in integuments mainly undergo expansion. Our results indicate that eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 mutant formed normal-sized ovules, but smaller developing seeds as a result of the reduced cell expansion in the integuments after fertilization (FIG. 6). However, eod3-1D promoted both cell proliferation and cell elongation in the integuments of developing seeds, resulting in large volume of a seed cavity. Therefore, integument growth is driven by both cell proliferation and cell expansion; these two processes are assumed to be coordinated. In addition, our reciprocal cross experiments provide a demonstration of maternal sporophytic control of embryo growth (FIG. 5; FIG. 7; FIG. 14). The maternal integument or seed coat, which acts as a physical constraint on embryo and endosperm growth, may set an upper limit to final seed size.

The CYP78A Family Members have Overlapping and Distinct Functions in Seed Growth

EOD3 encodes a cytochrome P450 CYP78A6, one of the CYP78A family members. The other CYP78A subfamily member genes have been isolated as growth regulators. Overexpression of CYP78A9, which is most closely related to EOD3/CYP78A6, induced large and seedless silique in Arabidopsis (Ito and Meyerowitz, 2000). To a certain extent, plants overexpressing EOD3/CYP78A6 and CYP78A9 exhibited similar growth phenotypes, such as large siliques and short stamens (FIGS. 2C and D) (Ito and Meyerowitz, 2000), indicating that these two genes might affect the same or related metabolic network. In line with this idea, our genetic analyses demonstrate that the cyp78a9-ko1 mutation synergistically enhanced the seed size phenotype of eod3-ko mutants (FIGS. 4C and F). This provides indication that EOD3 and CYP78A9 may have overlapping functions in seed size control.

Another CYP78A subfamily member KLU/CYP78A5 also affects seed size by promoting cell proliferation in the integuments of ovules (Adamski et al., 2009). klu mutants produced smaller seeds than wild type due to small ovules with less cells (Adamski et al., 2009). By contrast, eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 mutants did not significantly affect the size of ovules, but restricted cell expansion in the integuments of developing seeds. These findings provide indication that KLU may act in the cell proliferation phase at the early stages of integument development, and EOD3 mainly functions in the cell expansion phase at the later stages of integument growth.

EOD3 and CYP78A9 May Control Seed Growth in a Non-Cell-Autonomous Manner

Another interesting feature of the CYP78A subfamily members is to generate mobile factors mediating organ growth (Miyoshi et al., 2004; Anastasiou et al., 2007). Rice PLA1/CYP78A11 affected cell division in the shoot apical meristem (SAM), but CYP78A11 expression was not detected in the shoot apical meristem, suggesting that CYP78A11 most likely acts through its non-cell-autonomous function (Miyoshi et al., 2004). Arabidopsis CYP78A5 has been proposed to be involved in generating a mobile signal distinct from the classical phytohormones (Anastasiou et al., 2007). However, mobile growth substances remain to be discovered. Interestingly, EOD3 and CYP78A9 were not detected in the maternal integuments of developing seeds (FIG. S7) (Ito and Meyerowitz, 2000), but eod3-ko, cyp78a9-ko and eod3-ko cyp78a9-ko mutants produced small seeds (FIGS. 4C and F). This suggests that EOD3 and CYP78A9 might control seed growth in a non-cell-autonomous manner, as proposed for other CYP78A subfamily members (Miyoshi et al., 2004; Anastasiou et al., 2007). However, EOD3 expression was detected in other organs, such as leaves and carpels (FIGS. 8B and F), providing indication that EOD3 might promote leaf and carpel growth in a cell-autonomous manner. Several Arabidopsis mutants with large organs also exhibited large seeds (Schruff et al., 2006; Li et al., 2008), suggesting a possible link between organ size and seed growth. By contrast, several other mutants with large organs produced normal-sized seeds (Szecsi et al., 2006; White, 2006), indicating that organ size is not always positively related to seed growth. 35S::EOD3#7 plants exhibited normal growth and fertility, but produced significantly larger seeds than wild type (FIGS. 3C and D; FIG. 12), providing indication that the effect of EOD3 on seed size might not be due to its effect on organ size. CYP78A9 has been suggested to be involved in producing an undiscovered plant growth substance (Ito and Meyerowitz, 2000). One of the functions of EOD3 might be production of a signal that promotes integument growth. Eventually, the elucidation of the biochemical function of these gene products may lead to the discovery of one or more new plant growth substances with use in control of seed size.

EOD3 Controls Seed Growth in Oryza sativa

The Arabidopsis EOD3 coding sequence was sub-cloned and overexpressed in Oryza sativa. The areas of the seeds from TO transgenic Oryza sativa plants were then determined.

The transgenic rice plant lines (To) showed a range of different average seed sizes (FIG. 20), as expected from variations in insertion site, expression levels and other factors. However, statistically significant differences in seed size were found between a number of the To lines and the smallest seed line (11-5) (FIG. 20; P<0.01). These statistically significant differences show that that Eod3 overexpression increases seed size in rice.

REFERENCES

-   Adamski, N. M. et al. (2009) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 106,     20115-20120 -   Alonso-Blanco, C. et al (1999) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 96, 4710-4717 -   Anastasiou, E. et al (2007) Dev Cell, 13, 843-856. -   Fan, C. et al (2006) Theor Appl Genet, 112, 1164-1171. -   Fan, J. et al (2009) Plant Physiol, 150, 1750-1761. -   Garcia, D. et al 2003) Plant Physiol, 131, 1661-1670. -   Garcia, D. et al (2005) Plant Cell, 17, 52-60. -   Gegas, V. C. et al (2010). Plant Cell, 22, 1046-1056. -   Harper, J. L. et al (1970) Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics,     1, 327-356 -   Ito, T. et al (2000) Plant Cell, 12, 1541-1550. -   Jofuku, K. D. et al (2005). Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 102, 3117-3122. -   Li, J. et al (2004). Genetics, 168, 2187-2195. -   Li, Y. et al (2006). Genome Res, 16, 414-427. -   Li, Y., Zheng et al (2008) Genes Dev, 22, 1331-1336. -   Li, Y. et al (2003). Plant Cell, 15, 2020-2031. -   Liu, Y. G. et al (1995) Plant J, 8, 457-463. -   Lopes, M. A et al (1993). Plant Cell, 5, 1383-1399. -   Luo, M. et al (2005) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 102, 17531-17536. -   Miyoshi, K. et al (2004) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 101, 875-880. -   Moles, A. T. et al (2005) Science, 307, 576-580. -   Ohto, M. A. et al (2005) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 102, 3123-3128. -   Ohto, M. A. et al (2009) Sex Plant Reprod, 22, 277-289. -   Orsi, C. H. et al (2009) PLoS Genet, 5, e1000347. -   Schruff, M. C. et al (2006) 133, 251-261. -   Scott, R. J. et al (1998). Development, 125, 3329-3341. -   Shomura, A. et al (2008) Nat Genet, 40, 1023-1028. -   Song, X. J. et al (2007) Nat Genet, 39, 623-630. -   Szecsi, J. et al (2006) Embo J, 25, 3912-3920. -   Wang, A. et al (2010) Plant J, 64, 670-679. -   Weng, J. et al (2008) Cell Res, 18, 1199-1209. -   Westoby, M. et al (2002) Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics,     33, 125-159. -   White, D. W. (2006) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 103, 13238-13243. -   Xiao, W. et al (2006) Plant Physiol, 142, 1160-1168. -   Zhou, Y. et al. (2009) Plant Cell, 21, 106-117. -   Zondlo, S. C. et al (1999) Plant J, 19, 259-268.

TABLE 1 Phenotypes of wild-type, eod3-ko1, eyp78a9-ko1, eod3-ko1 cyp78a9-ko1 and eod3-1D plants cyp78a9- eod3-ko1cyp78a9- Col-0 eod3-ko1 ko1 ko1 eod3-1D Petal area (mm²) 1.99 ± 0.11 1.99 ± 0.09 1.95 ± 0.10 1.86 ± 0.09** 2.48 ± 0.16** Petal length (mm) 3.08 ± 0.10 3.08 ± 0.09 3.05 ± 0.12 3.02 ± 0.08** 3.32 ± 0.11** Petal width (mm) 1.03 ± 0.04 1.03 ± 0.04 1.02 ± 0.04 1.01 ± 0.03** 1.18 ± 0.05** Leaf area (cm²) 1.02 ± 0.07 1.01 ± 0.07 0.99 ± 0.08 0.91 ± 0.08** 1.34 ± 0.11** Leaf length (cm) 1.29 ± 0.05 1.28 ± 0.04 1.27 ± 0.05 1.24 ± 0.07* 1.40 ± 0.09** Leaf width (cm) 1.01 ± 0.05 1.00 ± 0.04 0.99 ± 0.03 0.92 ± 0.04** 1.16 ± 0.05** Plant height (cm) 36.8 ± 1.9 36.7 ± 1.7 36.6 ± 1.5 33.5 ± 1.8** 64.8 ± 3.0** Stem thickness (mm) 0.88 ± 0.03 0.87 ± 0.03 0.87 ± 0.02 0.87 ± 0.04 0.99 ± 0.03** Number of RI  3.0 ± 0.7  3.0 ± 0.6  2.9 ± 0.6  2.9 ± 0.6  3.0 ± 0.6 Number of RII  4.0 ± 1.3  4.0 ± 0.9  3.9 ± 1.3  3.9 ± 1.1  4.0 ± 0.9 Number of CI  2.5 ± 0.5  2.5 ± 0.5  2.4 ± 0.5  2.4 ± 0.5  2.5 ± 0.5 Number of CII  5.0 ± 0.8  5.0 ± 1.0  4.9 ± 1.0  4.9 ± 1.1  5.0 ± 0.8 Leaf number 12.7 ± 0.8 12.6 ± 0.7 12.6 ± 0.7 12.6 ± 0.5 12.8 ± 0.7 Elongated siliques  328 ± 28  326 ± 32  324 ± 34  269 ± 22**   87 ± 18** % fertile siliques 99.1 ± 1.6 99.0 ± 1.5 98.9 ± 1.7 99.0 ± 1.8 21.1 ± 11.8** Ovule number per 53.9 ± 2.3 53.7 ± 2.6 53.4 ± 2.3 52.9 ± 2.1 53.1 ± 2.9 silique Silique fertility 98.4 ± 4.2% 98.2 ± 4.8% 98.2 ± 4.3% 98.1 ± 3.9% 51.8 ± 26.0%** Number of primary rosette branches (RI), second rosette branches (RII), primary cauline branches (CI), and second cauline branches (CII) were counted at 30 d after bolting. Primary rosette branches (RI) are axillary branches from rosette leaves, and second rosette branches (RII) are axillary branches from RI. Similarly, primary cauline branches (CI) are axillary branches from cauline leaves, and second cauline branches (CII) are axillary branches from CI. Opened flowers on the primary inflorescence were used to investigate ovules per silique. The elongated siliques on the primary inflorescence were used to investigate fertility. All values are given as mean ± SD. **P < 0.01 and *P < 0.05 compared with the wild type (Student's t-test).

TABLE 2 Developmental stages of embryogenesis The stage of the Quadrant or Bent fully filled DAP Genotype octant Dermatogen Globular Transition Heart Torpedo cotyledon seed cavity 2 Col-0 9 23 67 e3a9 8 21 65 eod3-1D 14 29 52 4 Col-0 5 36 72 e3a9 9 39 62 eod3-1D 17 28 40 13 6 Col-0 41 88 e3a9 29 97 eod3-1D 34 86 8 Col-0 7 70 e3a9 4 72 eod3-1D 18 80 10 Col-0 80 28 e3a9 77 13 eod3-1D 98 12 Col-0 10 90 e3a9 17 70 eod3-1D 89 14 Col-0 96 e3a9 124 eod3-1D 26 68 Siliques from the wild-type (Col-0), eod3-ko1cyp78a9-ko1 (e3a9) and eod3-1D plants were dissected. The number of embryos at each developmental stage was recorded.

TABLE 3 Name Primers Primers for verifying T-DNA eod3-1D-LP GGTCTAAGATTTCTCTCGTGTC (SEQ ID NO: 98) eod3-1D-RP CGTACGTCTTCTATTACTCCAC (SEQ ID NO: 99) CS833552LP AACTCCAAAGGATCAACCCAC (SEQ ID NO: 100) CS833552RP CCGGTTAAAGAATCGGCTTAC (SEQ ID NO: 101) CS806696LP GACTTGCAAAGATCGTTCACC (SEQ ID NO: 102) CS806696RP ACTCAATGTGACGTGTTGTGG (SEQ ID NO: 103) SALK121278LP TTTGATCGAGTGGATTCTTGC (SEQ ID NO: 104) SALK121278RP ATATTTGCTTGTAATCGGGGC (SEQ ID NO: 105) SALK148838LP(TTG2) TAAAACCAAACGACACCGTTC (SEQ ID NO: 106) SALK148838RP(TTG2) TCCAAGTTTGTTGACGATTCC (SEQ ID NO: 107) OJF22 CGAGTATCAATGGAAACTTAACCG (SEQ ID NO: 108) OJF23 AACGGAGAGTGGCTTGAGAT (SEQ ID NO: 109) OJF24 TGGCCCTTATGGTTTCTGCA (SEQ ID NO: 110) AD1 NTCGA(G/C)T(A/T)T(G/C)G(A/T)GTT (SEQ ID NO: 111) SALK_LBa1 TGGTTCACGTAGTGGGCCATCG (SEQ ID NO: 112) SAIL_LB2 GCTTCCTATTATATCTTCCCAAATTACCAATACA (SEQ ID NO: 113) Primers for constructs EOD3CDS-F CTGCAGATGGCTACGAAACTCGAAAGCTCC (SEQ ID NO: 114) EOD3CDS-R CTGCAGTTAACTGCGCCTACGGCGCAATTT (SEQ ID NO: 115) EOD3PROM-F GAGCTCTGTCTCGTGGATAAGTAG (SEQ ID NO: 116) EOD3PROM-R CCATGGGGCGGATCAAAGCAAAGTAAG (SEQ ID NO: 117) Primers for RT-PCR EOD3RT-F ACCAACCTTGCCTTCTCC (SEQ ID NO: 118) EOD3RT-R CGTCTCGGCTCTTCTGATT (SEQ ID NO: 119) AT2G46670RT-F ACAACGAGCAGCAACCA (SEQ ID NO: 120) AT2G46670RT-R TCTTCAACCGGAACTTCAT (SEQ ID NO: 121) ACTIN7-F ATCCTTCCTGATATCGAC (SEQ ID NO: 122) ACTIN7-R GAGAAGATGACTCAGATC (SEQ ID NO: 123) Primers for quantitative real-time RT-PCR EOD3QRT-F CCGGTTAAAGAATCGGCTTA (SEQ ID NO: 124) EOD3QRT-R TTGAGATCACTCGTCGTTGC (SEQ ID NO: 125) ACTIN2-F GAAATCACAGCACTTGCACC (SEQ ID NO: 126) ACTIN2-R AAGCCTTTGATCTTGAGAGC (SEQ ID NO: 127) Primers for in situ hybridization EOD3INSITU-F AAAGAAGCTCATATGAGAATTA (SEQ ID NO: 128) EOD3INSITU-R TGGTGTAAATATAAATTGAAACT (SEQ ID NO: 129) CYP78A9INSITU-F TTAGTGTATGATAAGGCTAAGGCT (SEQ ID NO: 130) CYP78A9INSITU-R GTATTAACTTTTCTTTGTGACA (SEQ ID NO: 131) 

1. A method of modulating seed size in a plant comprising reducing or abolishing expression of a CYP78A polypeptide within cells of said plant, wherein said reduced or abolished expression reduces seed size in said plant.
 2. A method according to claim 1 comprising expressing a heterologous nucleic encoding an RNA molecule which suppresses expression of a CYP78A polypeptide within cells of said plant.
 3. A method according to claim 2 comprising mutating a nucleic acid coding sequence encoding a CYP78A polypeptide within cells of said plant or a nucleic acid which regulates the expression of said nucleic acid coding sequence.
 4. A method according to claim 3 comprising mutating a nucleic acid which regulates the expression of said nucleic acid coding sequence.
 5. A method of producing a plant with an altered seed size comprising: incorporating a heterologous nucleic acid which alters the expression of a CYP78A polypeptide into a plant cell by means of transformation, and; regenerating the plant from one or more transformed cells.
 6. A method according to claim 5 wherein the heterologous nucleic acid inactivates an element which represses expression of a CYP78A6 polypeptide.
 7. A method according to claim 5 wherein the heterologous nucleic acid reduces expression of the CYP78A polypeptide and the seed size of the plant is reduced.
 8. A method according to claim 7 wherein the heterologous nucleic acid encodes an RNA molecule which suppresses a CYP78A polypeptide.
 9. A method according to claim 7 wherein the heterologous nucleic acid inactivates the expression of a CYP78A polypeptide.
 10. A method according to claim 1 further comprising incorporating a heterologous nucleic acid which expresses a suppressor nucleic acid which reduces expression of a DA polypeptide into said plant cell by means of transformation or expressing a heterologous nucleic acid which encodes suppressor nucleic acid which reduces expression of a DA polypeptide in said plant. 